Criteria and Process for Selection of External Reviewers
External reviewers play a vital role in the program review process. Each review includes a site visit by at least two reviewers, whose expertise provides valuable comparison with peer programs at other institutions. Their involvement broadens faculty and administrative perspectives, ensures that the program remains aligned with disciplinary standards, and fosters engagement with the broader academic community. Reviewers also help identify challenges and opportunities, prompting thoughtful responses from both the program and the university.
As recognized experts in their fields, external reviewers ensure the objectivity of the process and offer critical, informed evaluations of how a program compares regionally and nationally. They are expected to bring an unbiased perspective, assessing whether departmental plans are appropriate in light of program quality, disciplinary trends, faculty strengths, student characteristics, and community needs. Reviewers will receive a set of guiding questions but may also address additional issues as they arise.
Selection Process
The Office of the Provost, in consultation with the academic department, selects the
reviewers. Academic departments may recommend five to ten individuals, providing website
biographies or CVs when available. The Provost’s Office may also select reviewers
who have not been nominated by the department.
When nominating external reviewers, academic departments are encouraged to:
- Recommend individuals from reputable institutions who are active, respected members of the discipline.
- Prioritize candidates with expertise in areas closely aligned with the department’s programs.
- Suggest reviewers who can appreciate the specific context of the University of Toledo, and the department’s unique circumstances.
- Ensure representation across programs (e.g., undergraduate and graduate), maintaining balance across subfields as appropriate.
- Indicate priorities or preferences regarding the composition of the review team.
Conflict of Interest
Academic departments must disclose in writing any potential conflicts of interest,
including:
- Reviewers who are current or former mentors, colleagues, or close friends of faculty members.
- Individuals currently or previously employed by the University of Toledo, or those who have applied (or are likely to apply) for positions at the institution.
- Faculty or administrators from programs or institutions in direct competition with the University of Toledo or the department under review.
Departments should not contact potential reviewers directly or request CVs until the Provost’s Office confirms the selection. Premature contact may create awkward situations for the institution and candidates not ultimately invited to serve.
Selection Criteria
In general, the Provost’s Office applies the following criteria, with flexibility
for special circumstances (e.g., reviewers from industry or specialized programs):
- Outstanding record of current scholarship and disciplinary expertise.
- Geographic proximity to campus (e.g., Ohio, Michigan, Great Lakes region) whenever possible, to minimize expenses, while recognizing that some circumstances may warrant exceptions.
- Free of conflicts of interest that may prevent a reviewer from performing a candid and thorough evaluation.